290 Mr. T. Ayres on the Ornithology of Transvaal. 



thorn-bush, often alighting amongst the grass for the small 

 seeds abundantly strewn upon the ground. 



Lagonosticta rubricata (Licht.). South-African Ruddy 

 Waxbill. 



Male, river Limpopo, 11th July, 1885. 



Pyromelana taha (Smith). Taha Bishop-bird. 

 This little Bishop-bird has now (1886) almost disappeared 

 from the neighbourhood of Potchef stroom ; why, I know not. 



Pytelia melba (Linn.). Southern Red-faced Finch. 



These beautiful little birds aflect the dense thorn- bush in 

 preference to more open places ; they are generally tame and 

 easily got when found ; one scarcely ever finds more than a 

 pair together. 



Hyphanturgus oLivACEus, Hahn. Cape Weaver-bird. 



About Potchefstroom the birds of this species are much 

 brighter in plumage this season (1886) than I have ever 

 noticed them previously. 



Fringillaria tahapisi (Smith). Rock Bunting. 



This species frequents the rough, rocky, scrubby ranges on 

 the upper parts of the Mooi river, where it is not un- 

 common. 



[Judging from dissected specimens sent by Mr. Ayres, it 

 would seem that the females are brown on those parts of the 

 head which in the adult males are black. — J. H. G.] 



MiRAFRA N^viA (Strickl.). Dark-lined Lark. 



These Larks are rather common amongst the thorn-trees on 

 the banks of the Limpopo, where they occur either singly or 

 in pairs. When disturbed they usually settle on tlie top of 

 some low thorn, and remain till the cause of alarm has dis- 

 appeared, when they return to the ground in search of seeds 

 and insects. 



MiRAFRA NIGRICANS (Suud.). Walilbcrg's Lark. 



Male, shot 10th January, 1885. Iris fine hazel-brown; 

 bill dusky brown, with the under mandible bluish, the com- 

 missure and gape yellowish ; tarsi and feet ashy white. 



